“Happiness is caused by things that happen around me, and circumstances will mar it: but joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring the world can’t see and doesn’t know anything about. The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to Him.” --D.L. Moody
I read that quote last week as I prepared for my Sunday School lesson....and it's so true, isn't it? I'll be honest and tell you that I've been tried in the joy department this week. It's been an almost constant struggle.
We've had a number of trying circumstances in the last two days, all of which are out of my control. And this quote above has been ringing in my ears.
If I depend on circumstances for happiness, then I just need to resign myself to misery for the rest of my life! Circumstances change and feelings fluctuate, but the mind that is stayed on Christ can know continual joy.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.--Isaiah 26:3
You see, joy is a deep
settled confidence that God is in control of every area of my life.
Life
happens. And sometimes it just stinks! But if you will decide to keep your focus on Christ and not on your
circumstances, you can
have joy. We have to forget trying to be “happy” based on what’s going on in our lives.
Happiness happens, but joy is a choice. Choose joy!
You could not have timed that post better. I've been struggling with anger, vainly wishing to grab control, and just *make* people choose the best (my) way. And yet... God is in control of *every* area of my life. And He will turn everything for my good! I must turn my thoughts away from circumstances, toward Him. Then will I trust in full peace. Thanks so much for your reminder today! It was just what I needed to get me back on track.
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